The 2018 Reese Senior Bowl is upon us, and college players face off this Saturday, 1/27/2018 in Mobile, Alabama at Ladd-Peebles Stadium at 2:30 EST on NFL Network. This game pits some of the top names in college football against each other after a week of practice in front of scouts. The Shrine Game last week was eventful, with Slippery Rock defensive end Marcus Martin scoring a receiving touchdown in his first experience as a fullback. His draft stock climbed in that game. There are plenty of rumors and meetings to catch up on, but more as the dust settles after this Saturday. Here are some rosters! --Mike B.

​The 2018 East-West Shrine Game is upon us as the 2018 NFL Draft Season officially kicks off. Theevent takes place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida this Saturday, January 20th at 3 PM EST. Practices run through the week, and the game will be televised on NFL network. Some great players have starred in the Shrine Game through the years, including Walter Payton, Brett Favre, and Willie Roaf. This year, prospects will attempt to make a name for themselves at the game (rosters below). Here are some story lines for the game.

Jake Wieneke had a fantastic record as a college player at South Dakota State University. I've been high on him for the past few years, and expect him to be a solid NFL player. He's a guy to watch closely this week. Chase Edmonds from Fordham is another fantastic small school player who could make an impact in the NFL early on as a third down back. Brandon Facyson, the CB from Virginia Tech, is an athletic machine who could impress scouts with his physical attributes. Matthew Thomas, the Florida State linebacker, is a sleeper heading into the draft. He was a 5 star recruit coming out of high school in a class that included Laremy Tunsil, Derrick Henry, Alex Collins, and Vernon Hargreaves III. Thomas' career in college was stalled by injuries and suspensions, so workouts, medical reports, and interviews will be huge for him. One thing is for certain, Thomas flashes lots of talent at times.

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett looked good on the first day of practice and emerged as a leader on the field. This will impress scouts considering him heading into the draft. Michigan State center Brian Allen, Wisconsin linebacker Leon Jacobs, and Miami CB DeVonta' Delaney stood out early in practice. Who are teams talking to early? Here are some interview reports:

Noble Hall is one of the most underrated defensive line prospects in college football. A junior Defensive End out of San Diego State University, Hall is a key component of the Aztec defense. Noble Hall is versatile; he's played both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Aztecs. Hall is also an explosive athlete capable of putting up huge games; en route to Week 2 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week against Arizona State early in the 2017 season, Hall recorded 5 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss (totaling 20 negative yards for ASU), two forced fumbles, and was instrumental in limiting the Arizona State offense to just 44 rushing yards. To those familiar with San Diego State University football, those numbers are not overly surprising for Hall; he has been a tackle-for-loss machine throughout his career as an Aztec. Hall has recorded 19.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks throughout the first three seasons of his college career, including 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles over 10 games in 2017. Heading into his senior season, I expect those numbers to rise. Noble Hall is a player who should be on every scout's radar heading into the 2018 season.

Hall's versatility is intriguing. In 2016, he started every game for the Aztecs at nose tackle. He moved to defensive end (his natural position) in 2017, and has put up outstanding numbers throughout the course of the year. His defensive coordinator, Danny Gonzales, expected the transition to be seamless. Hall responded to the move with a career year and has helped to carry the Aztecs to a Bowl game this season. Hall's ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line makes the Aztec defense far more versatile; as noted by Gonzales, "he’s played enough inside that we can move him back inside if we need to, and he’ll be just as valuable in there as he is at end." With a season of experience at defensive end at the collegiate level under his belt, I expect Hall to break out in his senior season. This is a player who I believe will play his way onto everyone's radar as a senior in 2018, and heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.

Noble Hall has received some accolades early in his career. On top of winning Week 2 Mountain West Defensive player of the Week in 2017, he was named to the 2017 Pre-Season All-Mountain West second team by Lindy's Sports, All-Mountain West third team by Athlon Sports, and All Mountain West third team by Phil Steele Magazine. He was also named "SDSU's Key Player to a Successful Season" by Pete Fiutak from Campus Insiders prior to the 2017 collegiate season. These accolades came even before analysts had an opportunity to see the results of Hall's move to defensive end for the 2017 season. The results were phenomenal. In what I believe was a huge snub, Hall was not ultimately named to any team on the Mountain West All Conference team. His numbers were better than multiple players on the list, and Hall's explosive play and competitive numbers show that he belongs on the official All-Conference list. While Hall was snubbed there, Athlon Sports recognized his achievements this season and named him third team All-Conference.

Hall is a player who deserves to be scouted by all 32 NFL teams as he heads into his senior season. He is a versatile, extremely productive player who has proven that he can shine under pressure and help lead his team to victory from both defensive end and defensive tackle. As a defensive tackle in 2016, Hall helped clinch a 45-40 victory over Cal with a last minute hurry of Davis Webb; that drive ended in an Aztecs interception, securing the win. In the 2016 Las Vegas Bowl, Hall recorded 2 tackles for loss and a sack as the Aztecs went on to win against Houston. In 2017, as a defensive end, his 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles in one game against Arizona State show that he can put up big games from any position along the defensive line. From a purely statistical standpoint, Hall already warrants consideration by NFL scouts, and his numbers should only improve as he heads into his senior season with a year of experience as a starter at Defensive End under his belt at the collegiate level.

Numbers are great, but they do not tell the whole story about a player's NFL readiness. If you want to gauge how a player will perform in the NFL, watch the tape. Accolades and statistics are nice, but at the end of the day, watch the tape, look at those stats and accolades, and then go back and watch more tape. When watching Noble Hall on film, he looks the part of an NFL player. He is an aggressive, intense player who gets good penetration against the offensive line even when facing a double team. He fights hard until the whistle, and has showcased an outstanding swim move from time to time to shed blockers. This ability to create difficulties against multiple blockers and strong swim move make him intriguing not only as a rusher on defense but also in special teams packages. The film shows that Hall is a player capable of creating problems for blockers at the next level due to his athleticism. He also uses his arms and hands extremely well, which is important for all line prospects, but especially defensive linemen.

At 6'3, 265 pounds, Noble Hall will likely be asked to play defensive end or be used as an EDGE rusher at the next level. In today's NFL, coverage skills are important even for players lined up on the edge of the defensive line. Throughout his career, Hall has shown himself capable of defending against the pass when necessary. This will help him earn playing time at the next level as NFL coaches grow comfortable trusting him in passing situations. Sometimes the most important defensive play that a player can make is a lack of a play by forcing an incomplete pass. Hall can do this both as a pass rusher through quarterback hurries and in coverage through passes defended. The important thing with Noble Hall is not that he covers like a cornerback; no defensive end does. The important thing is that his coverage skills are sufficient to get by in the NFL. His ability in all facets of the passing game give Hall potential as an every down player at the next level.

Ultimately, what makes Noble Hall stand out to me as a player are his intangibles. While watching his game against Arizona State this season, one play immediately stood out. Hall sheds his blocker quickly, bee-lines for the quarterback, begins to wrap him, and in the process forces a fumble. Rather than finish the tackle against a player who no longer carried the ball, Hall immediately shifts to pursue the loose ball. While you can coach this type of pursuit to a degree, this play highlights Hall's strong football instincts. He is a phenomenal player with a high motor who has shown that he is capable of feeling the game rather than simply playing it. Instincts cannot be taught. They come when a player is able to anticipate the game rather than reacting to it. Noble Hall's strong instincts and high level of intensity on the field mark him as the complete package. I believe that he has the talent to not only stick with an NFL franchise, but emerge as a significant role player or starter early in his NFL career.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Noble Hall as a potential prospect is that we are not viewing a finished product; he has one more year of development left at the collegiate level. There are already plays where he flashes clear glimpses of NFL-caliber athleticism and intangibles. His collegiate numbers have been solid, and he has come up huge in some extremely big moments. "Clutch" is one of those features that cannot be taught. Either a player is clutch or they are not. It is a difficult term to firmly define, but every time that Noble Hall comes up big in a big moment, he adds to his already strong body of work as a player and shows that he is a clutch player who can come up big on the biggest stages. With a full season of experience as a collegiate starter at defensive end under his belt, Noble Hall will be a force to be reckoned with as a senior. Overlook Noble Hall at your own peril; he is an NFL caliber talent primed for an outstanding senior season. Whether you are a fan or a scout, he needs to be on your radar now.--Mike B.

Breaking Down Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft: The NFL draft day 1 has ended. It was a crazy day of trades. I will list the trade first before I list the actual picks and grade each pick. So here is how the draft picks were traded. I will also grade the Trades. Trades:The 49ers traded the 2nd pick to the Bears for the 3rd pick and also received the Bears 3rd and 4th round picks this year and the 3rd round pick next season from the Bears.Grade for this trade: 49ers: A+/ Bears: D. The Chiefs and the Bills traded picks in round 1. The Chiefs traded their 27th overall pick, a 3rd round pick, and their 1st round pick next year to the Bills for the 10th overall pick in this draft. Grading this Trade: Chiefs: B/ Bills B+The Texans and Browns made a trade in round 1. The Texans gave up the 25th pick, and 2018 1st round pick to move up and get the Browns 12th pick overall. Grading this Trade: Texans: B+/ Browns AThe Browns traded with the Packers late in round 1 to get a 3rd round 1 pick. They gave up the 1st pick in round 2 and their pick in the 4th round. In return the Browns got the Packers pick in round 1 which was pick #29. Grading this Trade: Browns: A++/ Packers B-Seahawks traded back with the Falcons. They gave up their 26th overall pick to the Falcons and in return got the Falcons 31st overall pick, 3rd round pick, and the 7th round pick. Grading this Trade: Seahawks: B+/ Falcons A-The Seahawks then traded out of round 1 giving the 31st pick to the 49ers. In return the Seahawks got the 34th overall pick and a 4th round pick the 49ers previously got from the Bears. Grading this Trade: Seahawks: A/ 49ers A++

​OKAY NOW ONTO THE 2017 DRAFT: I will be grading the draft by the NFL Team listing their pick and grade next to it with a short Analysis.

Cleveland Browns: 1st, 25th, and 29th overall picks. Myles Garrett, DE: this pick was the best pick in the draft because it addresses a need and it was the best skill player in the draft. Grade: A+Jabrill Peppers, Safety: The Browns moved back and still got a huge improvement and upgrade to their defense with this pick as well as a lethal kick returner/ punt returner. Grade: A-David Njoku, TE: The Browns with their 3rd pick in round 1 landed a big tight end with huge talent. They didn’t give up too much to get this pick I really like this move. Grade: A- Overall: A

Chicago Bears: 2nd Overall. Mitch Trubisky, QB: The Bears made a really bad trade to the 49ers to move up only one pick. I believe he is a good player just don’t believe they needed to trade up for this pick and give up what they did for it especially after paying Mike Glennon what they did. Grade: C-

San Francisco 49ers:3rd and 31st Overall.Solomon Thomas, DE: The 49ers gained picks to take someone they could have taken 2nd overall and this pick is a huge fit for them. I love what Solomon Thomas brings to this team. Grade: A Reuben Foster, LB: Foster was possibly the steal of the draft if he stays healthy. He slipped all the way to 31st overall because of injuries. Grade: A++ Overall Grade: A+

Jacksonville Jaguars: 4th OverallLeonard Fournette, RB: The Jaguars really helped Bortles with another offensive weapon and a physical player I just hope he can find a way to stay healthy this season and we could see a glimpse of his future. Grade: A-

Titans: 5th and 18th overallCorey Davis, WR: The Titans might have been able to trade back and take Corey Davis but he is possibly the best WR in this draft and this pick was really smart as far as talent goes. Grade: B+Adoree Jackson, CB: This is a really good pick to me because corners were a big need for them and this kid has an edge to him. He also has a great skill set that could really be polished up especially by Dick LeBeau. Grade: B Overall: B

New York Jets: 6th OverallJamal Adams, Safety: I think the Jets could have addressed this need by trading back and gaining picks but Adams is an extremely good pick and he could make a huge impact for the Jets secondary. Grade: B+

LA Chargers: 7th OverallMike Williams, WR: The Chargers didn’t need a big and powerful WR because they proved to have depth at that position last year even without Keenan Allen. Don’t get me wrong Williams is loaded with talent but I just don’t believe this was a need. Grade: C+

Carolina Panthers:8th OverallChristian McCaffrey, RB: The Panthers got a huge upgrade to their offense that lost a spark without Ted Ginn this coming season. The Panthers offense should become very explosive this season with this pick. Grade: A+

Cincinnati Bengals: 9th OverallJohn Ross, WR: This pick wasn’t a need at all and they really needed to address defensive positions. They could have easily gone WR in the 2nd round with someone like Conner Kupp. I hate this pick he has been injury prone and wasn’t this high on boards until he ran his 40. Grade: C-

Kansas City Chiefs: 10th OverallPatrick Mahomes, QB: Mahomes could develop into a great QB and with Andy Reid and learning from Alex Smith for one season with no pressure to take over as a starter this season he could become a great NFL player. Grade: B+

New Orleans Saints: 11th and 32nd Overall. Marshon Lattimore, CB: The Saints got a top 5 talent with the 11th pick of the draft. A lot of people are comparing this kid to Darrell Revis but I believe he is Patrick Peterson good which to me is better than Revis. Grade: A++Ryan Ramczyk, OT: Well he shouldn’t have gone last in round 1 as the Broncos missed out on him. He is a great talent and will be the saving grace of Drew Bree’s career and Adrian Peterson. Grade: AOverall: A+

Houston Texans: 12th Overall. Deshaun Watson, QB: I really like this pick. I am a huge Tom Savage fan but Watson once he learns the NFL and the system in Houston he could be the future of this team easily and be the missing piece for the Texans in the playoffs. Grade: A

Arizona Cardinals: 13th OverallHaason Reddick, MLB: They need help in the linebacking unit and Arians used to coach at Temple so he had his inside connections for inside info in Reddick and he really liked him. This pick to me was actually really good. Grade: A-

Philadelphia Eagles: 14th overall Derek Barnett, DE: This kid was overlooked by a lot of people but he could be Myles Garrett good honestly. I will give this guy the early nod as of now for NFC ROY. I truly think he has that much talent. I really like this kid. Grade: A++

Indianapolis Colts: 15th OverallMalik Hooker, Safety: The Colts got a good pick and a major improvement to this defense already. They need to address defense the whole draft but so far this pick was a good one for them. Grade: B+

Baltimore Ravens: 16th OverallMarlon Humphrey, CB: This pick was pretty bad because I don’t believe it was the best corner remaining and if they wanted Humphrey they could have traded back to get this kid. I just feel they swung and missed here. Grade: C+

Washington Redskins: 17th OverallJonathan Allen, DE: This kid has some really good talent and a great place for this guy because he was a top 10 talent. Questions about his health made him slide but the Skins knew this was a need and a must get. Grade: B+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 19th OverallOJ Howard, TE: OJ Howard is the best tight end to enter the NFL since Rob Gronkowski. I honestly think he could be better than Gronk and he was elite talent and to have Cameron Brate as the other TE makes this pick even more incredible with their weapons. Watch out NFC the Bucs just became awesome offensively. Grade: A

Denver Broncos: 20th OverallGarett Bolles, OT: I personally think this kid needs a lot of work and was the 3rd best Tackle in the draft and could have been picked in round 2. I don’t like this pick at all by the Broncos. Grade: C

Detroit Lions: 21st OverallJarred Davis, MLB: The Lions got a Bobby Wagner talent at linebacker here with this pick and honestly he is someone to watch this year as an instant impact. I really think they were smart to grab him here and recruited the best talent remaining with exception to Ruben Foster. Grade: A

Miami Dolphins: 22nd OverallCharles Harris, DE: I think this pick was a need but they should probably have gone for an offensive guard in this pick. But I guess if they felt this player was worth this pick he was a good fit because I feel they studied him well. Grade: C+

New York Giants: 23rd OverallEvan Engram, TE: I mean talent wise this kid has it. They went out and got a tight end with incredible speed and great physical build. He is like a WR in a tight ends body with blocking abilities. I am a huge fan of Engram. Grade: B

Oakland Raiders: 24th OverallGareon Conley, CB: The Raiders got a guy that had the skill set to be in the top 10 easily but he had rape allegations come out against him and it destroyed his draft stock. I am assuming the Raiders did their research into the legitimacy behind the charges against him. High risk/ High reward. Grade: A or C (Depends on the Rape Allegations)

Atlanta Falcons: 26th OverallTakkarist McKinley, OLB: I don’t need to go into this pick at all, all I need to say is this. McKinley, Dion Lewis, and Vic Beasley Jr. BAM best linebacking core. Grade: A

Buffalo Bills: 27th OverallTre’Davious White, CB: The Bills were intelligent with this pick because they replaced Stephon Gillmore. No I am not saying they will replace him year 1 talent wise but in a year or two of building up skills and learning NFL offenses he will become a special talent and this kid has a great heart. I love what he brings to Buffalo. Grade: B+

Dallas Cowboys: 28th OverallTaco Charlton, DE: One of the Cowboys biggest downfalls last year was a complete lack of a pass rush. I really think it is time for their defense to address that need. Grade: B

Pittsburgh Steelers: 30th OverallTJ Watt, OLB: The Steelers honestly just filled a final need for their LB crew and TJ is almost as good as his brother as far as his ceiling goes. I really think he could make a huge difference for the Steelers defense. Grade: A-

2. San Francisco 49ers: (Jamal Adams, Safety, LSU) The 49ers address a huge need here and get their secondary some serious talent to lock down their defense.

3. Chicago Bears: (Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford): The Bears are in need of a pass rusher and Solomon Thomas is in my opinion the best option besides Myles Garrett who will already be gone by then.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: (Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU): The Jags go get the RB that TJ Yeldon never became. I really can’t wait to see if this kid can become something hopefully the Jags can get an O-Line this kid is as fragile as glass he needs some holes to run through.

5. Tennessee Titans: (Mike Williams, WR, Clemson): The Titans have Matthews and Sharpe, but Sharpe is a 3 at WR not a 2 and Williams is a freak of nature. I think this is the best fit at this pick for the Titans.

6. Cleveland Browns (Traded up with the Jets): (Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina): The Browns trade up here and they get their QB that they always wanted. This kid to me isn’t Watson good but he’s top 2 probably so the Browns think he fits their system so they should go get him.

7. San Diego Chargers: (Malik Hooker, Safety, Ohio State): The Chargers get a huge help at safety with this pick. The Chargers could really build this defense with one draft.

8. Carolina Panthers: (Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford): The Panthers add some serious talent on offense to help Cam Newton and company. McCaffrey is an incredible talent that is a can’t miss.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: (Haason Reddick, LB, Temple): The Bengals need some serious help at their linebacking core. They have Burfict who can’t stay healthy or avoid suspension when he is healthy so this pick would be huge for them.

10. Buffalo Bills: (John Ross, WR, Washington): The Bills loss Robert Woods and Sammy Watkins is injury prone. They go get the guy who can fly and has good hands for Tyrod to throw to. They also lost Marquise Goodwin so it’s a must do to address a WR if you ask me.

11. New Orleans Saints: (Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama): The Saints need to address secondary needs in the draft. Their defense was a nightmare last year and they didn’t get Butler from the Patriots and must address that in this draft.

12. New York Jets (Trade with Browns from #6): (OJ Howard, TE, Alabama): The Jets didn’t get Fournette or Garrett so they traded back because they need OJ Howard and were safe to trade back for the best tight end since Gronk.

13. Arizona Cardinals: (Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee): The Cardinals get a pass rusher to help Chandler Jones and their secondary with pressuring the opposing QB’s. I like this pick a lot for the Cardinals. 14. Philadelphia Eagles: (Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State): The Eagles secondary surely could use some work and I think this pick will take a huge step in the right direction with this pick. They would be making a mistake to address anything besides a CB.

15. Indianapolis Colts: (Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama): The Colts are going to ignore the diluted drug test and get the best middle linebacker in the draft because their defense is an absolute joke from top to bottom. This is the best first step in the right direction.

16. Baltimore Ravens: (Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan): The Ravens lost Steve Smith and need to address a new weapon for Joe Flacco and get themselves an extremely talented WR. I could easily see them address their O-line needs here too and wouldn’t be shocked if they took Ryan Ramczyk.

17. Washington Redskins: (Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama): The Skins go defense here in the first round and get themselves a run stopper. They do face Zeke two times a year and help themselves by addressing their DL.

18. Tennesee Titans: (Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan): The Titans address a WR with their first pick and now get some pass rushing with their second pick in round 1. I like Taco a lot and figured he could address a major need with this pick.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU): The Buccaneers need a RB to a degree and apparently, there is strong interest between both parties in this situation. I wouldn’t be shocked if they went to their secondary needs but Cook is the best RB if you ask me.

20. Denver Broncos: (Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin): The Broncos must protect whoever their QB and RB are this season. The Broncos are going to take advantage of the best OT in the draft still being on the board.

21. Detroit Lions: (Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida): The Lions are addressing their biggest need in this offseason. Davis is a very good talent and with some work he could become a huge steal in this draft. The Lions really are going to address the ability to stop the run here with this pick.

22. Miami Dolphins: (Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama): The Dolphins must protect Ryan Tannehill and get some opening’s for Jay Ajayi. Cam would be a massive help for the Dolphins and they should address this need with this pick.

23. NY Giants: (Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah): The Giants did a lot in the offseason and rumors are that they are talking to Blount. The Giants only piece missing is a good O-lineman and they could get that now with this pick.

24. Oakland Raiders: (Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State): This kid is a great talent and it fits a top need for the Raiders so I think Jack Del Rio and Co. address that need here with this pick.

25. Houston Texans: (Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky): This pick could go one of 2 ways but I think with this pick they protect Savage and Lamar Miller. I like this kid’s talent and believe he will be a huge impact on their offensive line. If they go elsewhere I believe they take Patrick Mahomes at QB. The rumor is Bill O’ Brian likes Mahomes and could bring him into a QB battle with Savage.

26. NY Jets (Trade back into round 1 with the Seahawks) (DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson): The Jets give the Seahawks their 2nd round pick they got form the Browns when they switched picks earlier in the round to get their need at QB here, as well as a 3rd round pick in 2018. Watson is the most talented QB in the draft to me and I believe he is a top pick at this position.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: (Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado): I like this kid a lot I think he is the best corner to come out of Colorado. I personally believe he is better than Jimmy Smith and in this system he could learn a lot. I like this pick a lot for the chiefs.

28. Dallas Cowboys: (Kevin King, CB, Washington): The Cowboys lost major pieces in their secondary in the offseason and they are going to address it with King here. I think he could be a huge help for the Cowboys defense.

29. Green Bay Packers: (TJ Watt, OLB, Wisconsin): The Packers need another pass rusher and should get the biggest freak of nature on the board. TJ has top 10 talent but has been passed over by now. I think TJ is a top player and will be a Packers HOF if they take this kid.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: (Jabrill Peppers, CB/SS, Michigan): I think the Steelers must address a need in their secondary and they ignore the drug test issues and get a major talent with this pick. I like Peppers here.

31. Atlanta Falcons: (Charles Harris, DE, Missouri): The Falcons could really make a huge impact and another Super Bowl run next year if they continue to build that defense. This kid could increase the pass rush which would help Vic Beasley Jr.

32. New Orleans Saints: (Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA): The Saints are going to keep building that defense to get Brees back on the field as often as possible. I really like this kid and thinks he should fit into their system and be an instant upgrade for them. *** People I think worth stealing in round 2 are Joe Mixon (RB Oklahoma), Kareem Hunt (RB Toledo), Conner Kupp (WR Eastern Washington), JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR USC), David Njoku (TE Miami) (Should be round 1 but other needs were there), Deshone Kizer (QB Notre Dame). I Had a hard time not putting these guys in round 1.

​Every season heading towards the draft, draft geeks across the internet and across the world put together mock drafts as they try to guess who NFL teams might pick on draft day. Although every mock draft is an exercise in futility, and every pick has the potential to change the outcome of an entire draft, I've paid close attention to the rumors surrounding each team, and have compiled what might be a pretty accurate mock of the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. What do I see happening on Thursday night? Here are my predictions. Mike B.

1. Cleveland Browns. Myles Garrett, Edge, Texas A&M. Garrett should be the first player selected in this year's draft. Both the draft analyst community and the Browns coaching staff agree on this, even if Browns ownership might not. I think Garrett is this year's first overall selection.

2. San Francisco 49ers. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU. Apparently the 49ers are interested in Fournette, although they already have the injury-prone Hyde on their roster. The team should upgrade their defense here or trade back and grab a wr, but assuming they don't, and assuming they don't do something foolish and take Trubisky with the 2nd overall pick, Fournette could be the guy.

3. Chicago Bears. Jamal Adams, S, LSU. The Jets want Jamal Adams but don't think he'll be available with the 6th overall pick. The Bears could draft Adams, Solomon Thomas, or Marshon Lattimore here. I think Adams is the pick.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars. Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State. The Jaguars wanted Fournette but he fell off the board. Maybe they'll snag Mixon on day two? However, Hooker comes in and immediately upgrades the Jacksonville secondary with this pick.

5. Tennessee Titans. Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State. Lattimore is the best db left on the board here, and the Titans allegedly want defensive help with their first pick in the first round. Lattimore could be their guy.

6. TRADE. Cleveland sends the 12th overall pick, a 3rd round pick, a 5th round pick, and a future 7th round pick to the Jets for the 6th overall pick. Cleveland Browns. Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina. The Browns are in love with Trubisky and ownership wants another QB. The Browns have also been in trade talks with the Jets. This move could happen, since Jamal Adams and Fournette were the Jets targets in the 1st round.

7. LA Chargers. Solomon Thomas, Edge, Stanford. The Chargers could go a number of different directions with this pick, but with Solomon Thomas available at pick 7, they dive in and continue to shore up their defensive front seven. Thomas makes a scary addition to a unit already boasting Joey Bosa and Denzel Perryman.

8. Carolina Panthers. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford. This is the year of players from the same school being drafted in bunches apparently. That being said, the Panthers are high on McCaffrey, and he could be the answer at pick 8. He's apparently the top RB on their board.

9.Cincinnati Bengals. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama. I think that Foster was the Bengals target here before his positive drug test at the combine. I also think that this is a team that has taken chances on players with character issues before. While the team has shown interest in John Ross as a potential pick, and while Barnett could be an answer here, I'm going with Foster with this selection.

10. Buffalo Bills. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson. While there has been a ton of speculation that the Bills want to go QB in the first, the team apparently doesn't. Williams would immediately boost a WR corps led by often-injured Sammy Watkins.

11. New Orleans Saints. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama. The Saints need help on defense, and Allen would make the Saints defensive line deadly. I'm going Allen here, although the team could have interest in Gareon Conley (who was just mentioned in a rape case and therefore might see his stock fall). Barnett could be a target here too.

12. New York Jets. OJ Howard, TE, Alabama. The Jets traded back and netted some extra picks. Now they net an offensive playmaker in Howard to help whoever their starting QB of the future might be (Patrick Mahomes in round 2?).

13. Arizona Cardinals. Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame. The Cardinals have met with Kizer three times leading up to the draft, suggesting some legitimate interest in him as a prospect. The Cardinals could snag him here and then groom him for a few years behind Carson Palmer in a move to build for the future.

14. Philadelphia Eagles. Charles Harris, Edge, Missouri. The Eagles have narrowed their options down to five players, Derek Barnett, Charles Harris, Gareon Conley, Christian McCaffrey, and John Ross. Conley is dealing with legal issues as we speak, McCaffrey is off the board, and John Ross has injury issues in his past. This narrows it down to Harris and Barnett. The Eagles were allegedly picking between Harris and Conley, and with Conley's legal troubles, Harris could be the pick.

15. Indianapolis Colts. Haasan Reddick, LB, Temple. I don't understand how the Colts front office operates. Neither does anyone else. That being said, Reddick has been commonly associated with the Colts over the past few months, so I'm going to go with the crowd on this one. Dalvin Cook could be an option here as well.

16. Baltimore Ravens. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama. The Ravens want to build a dominant offensive line, and Robinson would help with that process. He's the highest rated tackle in this year's draft, and he could be a fit. They could also go WR or RB (Cook) here.

17. Washington Redskins. Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State. Maybe the Redskins do some research on Conley and find out that his rape charges are simply empty charges. Conley could fall undrafted because of these charges, or they could come up as empty. If they're empty charges, then he may fall no further than the Redskins, a team who has shown significant interest in Conley as a player.

18. Tennessee Titans. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan. The Titans upgraded their defensive with their first first round pick this year, and will upgrade one of the biggest holes in their offense at WR here. They could also go with Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky here.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State. Both the Buccaneers and Cook want this to happen according to sources, and in this mock it does. Cook's the guy if he's available here.

20. Denver Broncos. Ryan Ramcyzk, OT, Wisconsin. The Broncos need offensive line help, and Ramcyzk is one of the best tackle prospects in this year's draft. Plus, the team's TE coach (Geep Chryst) is Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst's brother, so the Broncos likely have plenty of information on Ramczyk. He could be the pick here, as Wisconsin linemen often get overlooked in mock drafts and are selected higher than expected.

21. Detroit Lions. Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee. The Lions need pass rushers, and Barnett is falling down the board. He could be a perfect fit for a Lions defensive unit in dire need of playmakers. If Barnett is available here, he could be the pick.

22. Miami Dolphins. Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky. The Dolphins will either go Barnett, Lamp, or Charles Harris here. With Harris and Barnett off the board, this pick is easy; Lamp it is.

23. New York Giants. David Njoku, TE, Miami. Not sure if the Giants go Njoku here; they're high on Howard but he won't fall, and the Giants are always a tough team to mock. However, Njoku could be a definite option for them with pick 23 if he's available.

24. Oakland Raiders. Jarrad Davis, ILB, Florida. The Raiders will go ILB or CB with this pick most likely. Davis is a reach here, but the team allegedly has a lot of interest in Davis as a prospect. Plus, if any team does weird things in the draft, it's Oakland. Davis could be the guy, and he could be a long-term difference maker at the position for Oakland.

25. Houston Texans. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech. Sooner or later, the Texans need to draft a quarterback. This year they have the option of snagging either Mahomes or Watson. Watson has more upside as a playmaker, but Mahomes has more potential as a pure passer. O'brien apparently has lots of love for Mahomes, so he could be the selection here.

26. Seattle Seahawks. Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut. The Seahawks are showing lots of interest in Melifonwu, and he's likely their target in the first round. If Forrest Lamp is still on the board here, expect a trade between the Seahawks and Falcons as they move up to target Lamp. Lamp's not on the board here, so Melifonwu is the pick at 26.

27. Kansas City Chiefs. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State. The Chiefs recently released Jaye Howard, leaving a large hole in the middle of their defensive line. McDowell would fill this hole nicely. McDowell is the pick here.

28. Dallas Cowboys. Adoree Jackson, CB, USC. Jackson is a guy that the Cowboys are high on as a prospect. They could also go with Kevin King here, but the read I'm getting from most sources is that Jackson is the Cowboys biggest target, and he could be the pick at 28.

29. Green Bay Packers. T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin. Watt is a player who's stock is rising as we head towards the draft, and the Packers are showing a ton of interest in him. He could be a legitimate local fit at the 29th pick. I'm going with Watt at 29.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers. Jabrill Peppers, DB/LB, Michigan. The Steelers GM has a lot of love for Peppers as a prospect. While Roethlisberger wants the team to draft a TE in the first round, the top two options are off of the board. Peppers' drug test results will help him fall to the 30th pick, and the Steelers could snag him. Kizer would be an option if he fell as well, and Watson could be as well.

31. Atlanta Falcons. Takkarist McKinley, Edge, UCLA. The Falcons wanted to trade up with the Seahawks to get Lamp, but that failed. Instead, the team opts to go for one of the best pass rushers left on the board. McKinley is the pick here.

32. New Orleans Saints. Taco Charlton, Edge, Michigan. Yes, the Saints got lucky and snagged Jonathan Allen with the 11th pick. However, they need continued help on defense, and snagging both Allen and Charlton in the first round would just be unfair. The Saints significantly upgrade their defensive line in just one night by taking both Allen and Charlton.

Terrish Webb is a 5'11, 195 lb free safety prospect from Pittsburgh. He is a strong defensive talent who does not allow big plays over the middle of the field. One thing that stands out on film is that receivers never get behind him. He is also an extremely capable special teams player. Webb is an experienced player who has played in 45 games in college, including every game of his freshman season. His experiences both at Clairton High School and Pitt have formed him into a strong competitor and a team player who do anything to help his teammates. A versatile player, Webb can also contribute on special teams and at cornerback as well as at safety. He also played WR as a student at Clairton. Terrish is an extremely productive player, generating 145 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, 5 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. He is a high-character team-first player who will do whatever it takes to succeed in the NFL. Here at Matt and Mike Sports, we were fortunate enough to spend some time interviewing Terrish, and here it is. Questions in blue, Terrish's responses in gold.

When watching you on film, you always react quickly to offensive schemes, showing a clear knowledge of the offense in question. Does that come as a result of film, practice, your past experience as a WR, or a combination of multiple factors?

A combination of multiple factors. Film study helps you to learn tendencies on offenses. Then in practice you go over the things you learned in film study. When the game comes it just slows down because you recognize the tendencies you learned from film studies.

As a high school player at Clairton, you spent a lot of time at wide receiver. How has your experience as a receiver helped you grow as a defensive back?

I believe my experience as a receiver helped me as a defensive back because it's kind of like I'm thinking as a receiver while playing defensive back. Meaning what tactics do receivers use when trying to beat a defensive back one on one.

Clairton has become a powerhouse as far as NFL talent over the last few years. What makes Clairton's program special?

What makes Clairton special is everyone starts playing together at a young age. As the years pass you start to build that chemistry and competitiveness with each other.

Who are some NFL players that you enjoy watching? Who are some of your role models?

A player really enjoy watching is Tyrann Mathieu. He's been one of my favorite players since watching him at LSU. His passion for the game just shows every time he steps on the field. I watch his film to just try to see and emulate all the different ways of how he creates turnovers & makes plays all over the field.

During your time at Pitt, you've generated numerous turnovers, both interceptions and fumble recoveries. How do you prepare to capitalize on the opportunities an offense gives you heading into game day?

I prepare for each game with a lot of film study. Some players do not realize it, but it is actually very helpful. Many times I would be able to recognize what an offense was running by how they were aligned.

What is your favorite defensive scheme to play in?

My favorite defense scheme to play in was the one I played under Coach Narduzzi. The aggressive style of mindset allowed there to be a lot of plays made by a defensive back.

What are some things that make you unique as a player?

I think my athleticism and aggressive style of play makes me a unique player. I can come down and make a tackle inside the box, and also cover the slot receiver one on one.

What was it like as a teammate helping James Conner through his situation, someone we consider to be a top 3 RB entering this draft?

Seeing my brother James goes through his situation just pushed us as a team to be great. Here's this guy battling cancer doing the same workouts we're doing and not complaining. It was very inspiring, one of the strongest guys I know.

If a scout or team exec were to read this interview, what would you want him to know about you as a player and as an individual? What makes you stand out as a prospect?

They should know that I'm a very coachable player. A student of the game, on and off the field. A player who leads by example, and works very hard.

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us Terrish. We look forward to watching your career unfold in the NFL, and best of luck in the draft! Matt Koontz and Michael Bertasso, Matt and Mike Sports.

We would like to thank Glen Wallace from Peterson Sports for facilitating this interview. Glen has asked us to add the following statement, that Glen Wallace, James Peterson, Dave Thompson and the entire Peterson Sports family are very proud of Terrish.

​The 2017 Reese's Senior Bowl is upon us. This Saturday, January 28th, some of the top talent heading into the draft will face off against each other in Mobile, Alabama. The game takes place at 2:30 EST, and will be carried by NFL Network. Some great players have used this event to launch their NFL careers. Some of the most well-known Senior bowlers include Walter Payton, Steve Largent, Lynn Swann, Gene Upshaw, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Jack Youngblood, Ray Nitschke, and Derrick Thomas. This year, there are some great small school players participating in the event. Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Villanova defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon are especially intriguing. This is the year of the running back, and both Wisconsin running back Corey Clement and San Diego State running back Donnell Pumphrey will be fun to watch in this event. This year's game is stacked with talent, especially at receiver, and will be well worth watching. Is there a future NFL Hall of Famer in this year's event? This is one of the best groups of players in this event over the past few years, so the possibility is there. Following the game, draft boards will begin to solidify across the NFL. The draft season is upon us, and this event is a critical one. If you only watch one football game this weekend, make it the Senior Bowl; unlike the Pro Bowl, these kids will play hard on every single snap to show that they belong in the NFL. Here are the players participating in this year's game, separated by position.--Mike B.

Every season, great linebackers inexplicably fall off of the draft board. London Fletcher went undrafted and went on to start 215 consecutive games at the position en route to four Pro Bowls over sixteen seasons. Zach Thomas was a 5th round pick and one of the greatest linebackers of his era. 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison? Undrafted. Baltimore Ravens defensive standout Zachary Orr was also undrafted. History suggests that there are some great linebackers who are flying under the radar as we head towards the 2017 NFL Draft. Players like Reuben Foster and T.J. Watt get all the attention from most sports sites and analysts. However, scouting careers are made by finding great players who have slipped through the cracks. One of these players is Georgia State linebacker Alonzo McGee.

Alonzo McGee is an explosive player who has performed well against all levels of competition, including against programs like Wisconsin. His highlights show an extremely intelligent player who can read offenses, who understands offensive blocking schemes, and who can be a disruptive force in the middle of a defense. He looks the part of a potential future Pro Bowler on film (highlights here), and off the field he is an extremely high character, hard working individual. McGee is both intelligent and versatile; he has thrived in three collegiate programs and has started at a high level at both inside and outside linebacker. This is a kid who deserves to be in the conversation on day 1 or 2 of the draft, but does not get near the amount of recognition he deserves from analysts.

McGee's journey is an intriguing one. He started out at Georgia Military College and played in 11 games over one season, finishing his time there with 48 tackles and 2 sacks. He then transferred to UAB, where he continued to develop as a player. He played in twelve games, starting two. There, he recorded 42 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. At that point in his career, one of the trademarks of his playing style began to stand out, the tackle for loss. McGee has developed into a TFL machine as a college player, and his aggressive, instinctive style of play will be a major asset to any NFL defense.

Alonzo McGee is a player who is capable of picking up new defensive systems and immediately playing at a high level. Once UAB's program folded, McGee transferred to Georgia State. In his first game at Georgia State, he tied the school record for tackles for loss with 4. This was en route to a 12.5 TFL season that set a Georgia State season record. McGee did this as an inside linebacker, and was named an honorable mention for All-Sun Belt Conference. The following season, he switched to outside linebacker and continued to play at an extremely high level, again receiving an honorable mention for All-Sun Belt Conference. His two season career at Georgia State ended with 167 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4.5 sacks. The numbers alone show that McGee is a worthy NFL prospect, but numbers aren't everything. McGee has the intangibles that make a great NFL prospect.

This is a player who has thrived at multiple positions in multiple programs. Alonzo McGee's character is a huge part of what makes him a great NFL prospect. Here at Matt and Mike Sports, we had a chance to interview Alonzo McGee (interview here), and he is clearly a student of the game. In his own words, McGee's approach as a player is to "train hard and give 110 % effort with everything that I do." Some players study film during team film sessions. McGee goes above and beyond that, spending his free time studying plays and watching additional film on his own. In his own words, being successful while playing for multiple programs "just takes discipline and extra effort."

Alonzo McGee is a team-first player; to him, his teammates are family, and he will do everything he can for them on the field. He practices hard and plays hard. He watches film twice a day to prepare for games, and he makes the most out of time spent in practice. Most importantly, He is an extremely respectful and driven individual who is willing to play wherever his team needs him to. On the field, he is a relentless tackler who puts his hard work studying film and playbook to use on every play. His preparation in the week leading up to game day is a big part of the reason why he has been so successful as a collegiate player. He understands what the offense is doing on each play, and puts that knowledge to work, allowing him to make big plays and generate tackles for loss. This is a player that is extremely coachable, competitive, and with huge amounts of upside.

Great players are not built on talent alone. While some players skate by on athletic talent alone, great players are built by hard work and a relentless passion for the game. Ray Lewis was athletic, but he also had a firm understanding of both his defense and of opposing offenses. Brian Urlacher understood his own defensive scheme well enough to make every player around him better. Vontaze Burfict studies film to a point where he remembers his mistakes on specific plays from his past. Great players not only look great on film, but also understand the game itself. McGee's passion for film, his work ethic, and his love for his teammates will make him a critical asset to any NFL team lucky enough to draft him.

I'm a defensive-minded guy, and to me, McGee displays all the traits of a future starting NFL linebacker. He is an outstanding tackler, he knows how to read run plays and shed blocks, and can generate strong pressure in the backfield. He prepares hard for every single game, both in practice and in his own free time, which gives him an edge against opponents. For Alonzo McGee, football is not just a hobby or a job, it is a passion. His drive and passion for the sport will allow him to develop into an elite defender in the NFL. While he may not be a finished product as a prospect, no prospect is. He has room to improve in pass coverage, but so did Denzel Perryman. Perryman has quickly emerged as one of the key cogs in the San Diego Chargers defense. With McGee's strong passion for hard work and film study, he will constantly work to get better as a player. Alonzo McGee has all the tools necessary to step into an NFL defensive system and play at a high level. He has the team mentality to do anything to help his team, and will thrive wherever the team needs him, whether on special teams or in the middle of a defensive unit. Given a year or a couple of years of development as a pro, McGee could emerge as a key cog in an NFL defense. He likely will emerge in a similar way to Zachary Orr of the Ravens, taking the league by storm to emerge as a key young player in an NFL defensive scheme.

While Alonzo McGee may not be the biggest defensive name in this year's draft, he might have the most upside of any defensive player, especially for a guy who's floating around in the conversation as a later-round pick or potential UDFA. Glimpses of greatness already show up regularly in his college film, and with a year or two working with an NFL coaching staff, this kid could become a perennial Pro Bowler. He is hard working, versatile, athletic, and willing to do whatever it takes to help his team compete. While right now he's relatively off the radar, if given a chance, he will take the NFL by storm. If he can harness the flashes of greatness that he has shown on film, he will be special. He will be a steal for any team lucky enough to take him in 2017.--Mike B.

Alonzo McGee is an outstanding linebacker prospect from Georgia State University. After one season at Georgia Military College (with 48 tackles and 2 sacks over eleven games), McGee transferred to UAB. There, he played in twelve games, starting two. There, he recorded 42 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. There, he started at both outside linebacker in 2015 and inside linebacker in 2016. In both seasons, he received an honorable mention for All-Sun Belt Conference. While at Georgia State, he recorded 167 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4.5 sacks. Alonzo McGee is a phenomenal player who deserves to be on every team's radar, and on film, he stands out on every snap. We were fortunate enough to have a chance to interview Alonzo, and here it is. Questions in black, Alonzo's responses in blue:

Mr. McGee, you are an extremely talented player on the field, and showcase great instincts on film. What, in your opinion, makes you stand out as an NFL prospect?

I train hard and give 110% effort with everything that I do. I plan to continue to work hard and allow my play to do the talking. In addition to going hard every single play, my mental toughness and ability to overcome adversity also makes me a good prospect.

As a college player, you learned multiple defensive schemes after transferring from Georgia Military College to UAB, and then from UAB to Georgia State. You have performed at an extremely high level on all three teams. How do you balance learning a new system with continuing to develop as a player? How does that experience help prepare you for life in the NFL?

It just takes discipline and extra effort. I spend a lot of my free time studying our plays and watching additional film. These experiences speak to my ability to adjust to change while continuing to grow and thrive as a player.

What coach (or other individual) has had the greatest impact on you as a player so far? Why?

My linebacker coach PJ Volker had the greatest impact on me because not only did he help me become a better football player, but he also taught my life skills such as the importance of punctuality and being the best me every single day.

You have started at both outside and inside linebacker during your college career. Which position would you consider to be most natural to you?

I feel like I naturally adjusted well to both of them. I’m willing to play whichever position the team needs me at.

In 2015, you set the Georgia State season record for tackles for loss with 12.5. In your first game with the team, you tied the school record for tackles for loss with 4. You clearly have a strong understanding of offensive game plans, and are able to perform at a very high level even during your first game in a new defensive system. What are some things that you do during the week to help you prepare for game day? What role does film study play in your preparation on a weekly basis?

I watch film twice a day and that really helps me to prepare specifically for the offense that I’m getting ready to face. I make sure that I don’t take practice time for granted, I practice how I’m going to play so that on game day it comes naturally.

On the field, you are a phenomenal player. What are some things that make you stand out off the field? How does life off of the field contribute to the player you are on the field? What are some of your personal strengths?

I was always taught that respect gets you a long way in life so off the field, you will always catch me being respectful. I also love helping others, so in my spare time you can catch me volunteering and giving back to my community. Family is a very important value of mine. I consider my teammates an extension of my family so when we are on the field, there is nothing I won’t do for them.

What was your earliest experience with the game of football? How did you first develop a love for the game?

I first started playing football at age 6 at Dillion Park in Sumter, SC for the Bulldogs. My love for the game was developed based on my father sharing stories about his football career. The 1st time I set foot on a football field, I knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps and play this game.

Who is your favorite player in the NFL? Are there any players, current or retired, who you specifically try to emulate on the field?

D.J. Swearinger is my favorite NFL player. On the field, I try to emulate Ray Lewis because he plays with so much passion.

What is your greatest strength as a prospect?

I read the offensive linemen well, pursue the ball, and make sound tackles. I’m an instinctive play and I’m going to go hard every single play.

If you could choose to accomplish one thing in your career, what would it be?

I would like be a part of a Superbowl team.

What points would you like to make to any scouts who might be reading this interview?

If you give me an opportunity, I guarantee you that I will be a valuable addition to your organization. I am willing to do whatever it takes to be the most dominant player at my position.

Thank you for taking the time to interview with us Alonzo. We look forward to watching your career unfold in the NFL, and best of luck through the draft process! --Mike Bertasso and Matt Koontz, Matt and Mike Sports.

We would like to thank Glen Wallace from Peterson Sports for facilitating this interview. Glen has asked us to add the following statement, that Glen Wallace, James Peterson and Dave Thompson and the entire Peterson Sports family are very proud of Alonzo.